Suggested from Numerical Bible, Vol. II., pages 93, 94.
The land of Canaan was given to Abraham by I promise, and this promise was renewed many times before Israel actually entered upon the possession of the land. Even after they had crossed the Jordan, it remained for them in the energy of faith to take possession of that which had been given to them. In the earlier parts of the book of Joshua we have the account of the conquests of the nation as a whole ; the first part of Judges narrates, with the mention of numerous shortcomings, victories of separate tribes; while in the passage before us we have the prowess of individual faith, in Caleb and Othniel. There are victories of the whole Church of God, where the mass share alike in the conflict and the spoil ; on the other hand, of times when the many were at ease and indifferent, individual faith has come to the front, and claimed the ever ready power of God, to seize what He had already given.
In Othniel we have a refreshing example of this, and the results of his victory can be duplicated, in spiritual blessings, by those who follow his faith. Kirjath-sepher is the prize to be taken. This was its original name, meaning "The city of the book":in the hands of God's people it becomes "The oracle." How significant these names are! In the enemy's hands the word of God is simply a book, the book even, but without power or life. When faith takes possession, it becomes a message from God Himself. It is now God speaking, and we see behind the book the One whose word it is. The letter killeth,"-whether it be the letter of the Old or New Testament. But when faith takes hold we have no longer the letter alone, but the word of God and from God. "For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. . . . Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight; but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." From the word of God the apostle passes to God himself, who speaks in that word. Othniel, "the lion of God," or, with Dr. Young, "God is force," suggests that energy of faith which fears nothing, meeting and overcoming all obstacles. Courage is the first accompaniment of faith (2 Pet. 1:5). It is really faith in activity, and is fittingly suggested in the name of the beast that is "comely in going,""a lion, which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any." (Prov. 30:30.) It is the righteous who is "as bold as a lion" (Prov. 28:i); and for faith to be bold-to be truly faith -it must be coupled with practical righteousness.
In his victory Othniel gains Achsah, "anklet," suggestive of the foot adorned, " How beautiful are the feet," etc. (Rom. 10:15.) And she it is who moved him to ask for a field which was granted. Faith, when linked with lowly service and true subjection, wins for itself a special portion. It is Achsah, too, who sees the need of and obtains springs of water, without which the fields would have been but barren wastes. There is such a thing as intellectual apprehension of truth, even in a sense appropriation of it, without the freshness and power which can alone make it profitable. Well is it for us to recognize this, and to claim from One who is ever ready to give not only the portion, but the power to enjoy it as well.
" We praise Thee, and would praise Thee more:
To Thee our all we owe,-
The precious Saviour, and the power
That makes Him precious too."